Andros

Andros –or else “Small England”, is the largest island in the Cyclades after Naxos island, and is the northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago. Andros probably got its name from the Minoan times. It is a mountainous island with green valleys, springs and waterfalls. The lush landscape and rich waters gave in Ancient times the name Lassi and Ydroussa.

The island teems with a rich past. In classical times, when Paleopoli was the capital, it had its own currency and in the 11th-12th century AD became famous in the west for its silk production. From the initially small settlement of Chora, Andros was developed within the walls of the castle during the Venetian period. The entrance of the castle can still be seen today, and a wooden bridge connected the village to the castle, which was later replaced by stone.

The architecture combines elements of Chora Byzantine, Venetian and Neoclassical. Chora acquired its neoclassical style at the beginning of the 20th century, when the owners of Andros controlled nearly one quarter of the Greek merchant fleet. Both the geographical position and the affection of the inhabitants to the sea contributed to this glorious naval history and pathway, which has involved major naval families, many seagoing ships, wealth, economic, social and spiritual prosperity all at the same time.

Chora has become one of the most charming capitals of the Aegean – a Small England.